You must be aware of crowns and fillings while considering your child’s dental health. This post separates the two, explains when each is needed, and how both enhance your child’s oral health.
At Polkadot Pediatric Dentistry, Dr. Nanna, a proud member of the American Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, Georgia Academy of Pediatric Dentistry, and American Dental Association, offers skilled care with a focus on Alpharetta children’s dentistry.
What Are Fillings?
A filling is typically used to treat minor to moderate dental decay. The dentist will fill the hole with a material that will blend with the tooth, the most common material being the composite resin after the decayed part is removed.
In cases where you need to restore a tooth that will fall someday, fillings are very good in keeping the tooth strong until you grow another one. Additionally, because fillings require less tooth material to be extracted than crowns, they are less invasive than crowns.
When Are Fillings Recommended?
Small to slight cavities that have not unfolded to the tooth’s deeper layers are most suited for fillings. Fillings can restore the tooth’s function without requiring enormous alterations if the damage is limited within the teeth’s outer layer.
They are particularly good where the teeth are active and still erupting, and they will drop out eventually. Also, fillings are cheaper than crowns, and this is advantageous, especially to parents who would like to have their child’s tooth corrected without spending much.
What Are Crowns?
In order to restore a tooth’s size, form, strength, and usefulness, crowns, also known as caps, completely enclose it. Crowns are typically utilized in cases of more severe decay or injury, such as when a huge cavity jeopardizes a major amount of the tooth’s structure. If a tooth is badly broken or shattered, crowns are also required.
For teeth that are anticipated to stay in the mouth for many years, including baby teeth that must remain in place until the adult tooth erupts, they offer the best protection.
When Are Crowns Recommended?
Crowns work best when there are significant cavities or when decay or trauma has damaged the tooth close to the nerve. When a tooth needs to last for several years, such as when a child’s baby tooth needs to stay in place until the permanent tooth develops, they are also a fantastic option. Since crowns provide support and sturdiness that filling cannot, they are recommended for decayed, split or bruised teeth.
Fillings vs. Crowns – Which Is Right for Your Child?
The following conditions must be considered to decide between crowns and fillings:
- Extent of the cavity
- The location of the tooth
- Your Child’s age.
Prefer to go for fillings, where you can fill the cavities temporarily for a smaller cavity. For serious cases, go for crown.
Both are important dental treatments for children. However, your decision will be based on the conditions.
The right thing to do is consult with an experienced pediatric dentist and then take your decision. This will help your child’s dental health in the long term.